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Manny was going over to Anton's place for the day, Manny usually would be at Anton's apartment more then his own apartment. It, just felt better to be out of his own apartment there was nothing wrong with it. But Manny just felt like there was something missing in his place...yet he never knew what..
Manny made it to Anton's apartment door, it was difficult getting up the fleet of stairs due to his chronic back pain...but he managed. It was worth it in the end everytime. Manny put his hand to the door, knocking on it gently. Sometimes he would knock too gently and not get a response for minutes. Manny wings twitched at he waited, after a moment the door handle twisted and the door opened. Manny was greeted with Anton's warm smile, Anton always had a big smile. It made Manny want to smile back even if he didn't have the "prettiest" smile.
"Hey Manny man!" Anton said his tone cheery, "Come on in!" Anton said as he left space for Manny to enter. "Thank you," Manny replied as he walked inside. Manny heard the door shut behind them, then lock. The click sound made his antennas jitter slightly. "I'm so happy you came over today! I still have some leftovers from breakfast if you haven't ate yet." Anton offered walking over to the kitchen.
Manny didn't have breakfast, he often forgets to eat. He only remembers whenever his stomach is growling with hunger. "I'll take some breakfast, what did you make?" Manny asked, having curiosity in his voice. He leaned over as he made it to the counter to see. Anton opened a glass container. "Muffins! Apple cinnamon to be exact, I made them this morning!" Anton said as he showed them off. Grabbing one from the container and handing it over to Manny. Manny took the muffin, smelling the strong smell of apple and cinnamon. He took a bite, letting the flavour seep into his taste buds as he chewed. The apple and cinnamon not taking over one another, Manny's wings fluttered in response as he took another bite.
Anton chuckled as the took notice to Manny's Wing fluttering. "You like it?" Anton asked knowing the answer already. "Yea! They're super good, you did a good job." Manny replied his tone sweeter then the muffin he was eating. Anton's cheeks flushed from the compliment "Thank you, I'll make sure to bake some extra so next time you can have more.." Anton said his voice lower almost at a flustered mumble.
Manny noticed the tone shift, he rose his eyebrow then his eyes formed a playful look. "Not good at handling compliments?" Manny asked playfully. Anton looked at Manny, his antennas twitching as he made eye contact with Manny. He scratched the back of his head "No..no I'm good at handling them." Anton weakly defended himself. Making himself focus on something else quickly, he put the lid back on the container. Manny let out a chuckle, "sure.." He replied.
Manny turned his head to look at Anton's house decor, he never really focused on it. Due to only focusing on Anton mostly. Nevertheless the decor was quite simple. A few plants, a framed jersey, some pillows on the couch. Manny seemed interested at the glass shelf next to the framed jesery he decided to walk up to it. Examining all of the medals, trophies and even some badges and ribbons. All from Anton's baseball games in middle school through college.
Manny remember going to the baseball games, he is one great player. Anton has the precise hits, althelic build and the heart of gold as he works with others. Though he saw something on one of the badges. It didn't say Anton..it said "Anthena" yet it had the same last name. Anton took notice to Manny staring the the collection. He decided to walk up behind Manny, then noticed Manny staring at that one specific badge. Anton could feel his heart pound slightly, Manny became friends with Anton during middle school. Yet...he only told Manny his preferred name, never his..real name. He never told Manny he was transgender, due to the fear of losing Manny. He didn't know how Manny would react so he hid it the best he could.
"Who's Anthena?" Manny asked as he pointed at the badge. Anton bit his tongue as Manny spoke, he knew Manny only had innocent curiosity no cruel intentions. It still made Anton freeze up, Anton let out a nervous chuckle. Manny looked at him confused, he realized Anton's nervous look. "Is there something wrong?" Manny asked another question, his curiosity grew more. Anton antennas intertwined with one another, he usually did that during his small freeze ups. He was conflicted with tell Manny now, or never. He knew if Anton ever confessed his love to Manny..he would still have to say it either way.
Anton sighed, he took a step back. Manny shifted his body to be more in front of Anton. "I don't know how to exactly tell you this without..getting emotional." Anton said his voice already cracking slightly. "Would you like to sit on the couch and say it?" Manny suggested quickly before Anton continued. Anton didn't respond verbally, he just walked over to the couch and sat down.
They both sat on the couch, Manny had his hands in his lap. Anton's hand were intertwined with his own, slightly fidgeting with them. "So.." "Anthena..is my real name." Anton confessed his throat getting tight, "I know your probably wondering why I never told you." .. "I wasn't.." Anton hesitated for a moment but continued. "Born male." "I was born female and my parents named me Anthena. It was what I went by until middle school, 7th grade to be exact. I started to realize I didn't like...myself for one reason. That I wasn't born a male, I knew from a young age I didn't like feminine things. I wasn't happy with myself doing those things. I felt..out of place." Anton continued his voice got weaker as he spoke. "I never told anyone after I told my parents due to their reaction. They didn't support me, they knew I wasn't going to..go back to what I didn't see myself as. And they mourned it, missing their "Sweet girl" I lost a lot of my friends in middle school due to it. Some even bullying me after." Anton's eyes started to water up, a few tears shedding from his eyes.
"I never told you because..I didn't want to lose you to." Anton said as he looked at Manny, his gaze vulnerable. Manny looked back at Anton, he moved himself closer. "I would never judge you for what you want to be. I will always support you, you will always be what you say you are." Manny spoke, making sure his voice was soft and gentle. Anton looked at Manny his eyes forming some sparkle, almost in awe.
Manny felt Anton's arms wrapped around him. His wings fluttered in response, hugging him back. "Thank you, thank you for supporting me." Anton mumbled, his tears seeping into Manny's shirt. "Of course, I'm always here for you." Manny replied his hand gently rubbing Anton's back.
The two stayed there for a moment, Anton still letting out muffled hiccups and cries. Manny staying through all of it, not minding it one bit. He felt..happy, knowing that Anton felt comfortable exposing that truth to him. Forever til death, Manny will always see him as his sweet boy nothing more.